US Representative Haley Stevens backs Republican Mike Rogers for Senate after public fallout with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed

UPDATE - follow-up to Stevens endorses Rodgers amid rift with El-Sayed: Democratic Representative Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday after a bitter falling out with her party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, in the final days of the race.

The Fallout And Endorsement

Stevens announced her support for Rogers in a video on Sunday and appeared with him at a Detroit church. She said El-Sayed told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign and should stay away. The clash began last week when Stevens urged El-Sayed to condemn an outside group's ad linking military aid to Israel to rising grocery prices. El-Sayed accused Stevens of relitigating their August Democratic primary, where Stevens had heavy support from Senate Democrats. He also said he disagreed with the ad's contents and did not make it. El-Sayed skipped a planned unity event with Stevens, saying he wanted to focus on key state issues instead.

Reactions And Fallout

Rogers praised Stevens as a courageous leader, calling her endorsement a stand against hate and for the future of the state. President Trump also praised Stevens on social media for the move. Meanwhile, top Democrats condemned the endorsement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a despicable betrayal and reaffirmed support for El-Sayed. Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell criticized Stevens for seeking attention, while Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel stated Stevens is no longer a party member. Republican National Committee spokesman Hunter Lovell called the move a sign that El-Sayed is too liberal.

Context

Endorsements across party lines are rare in high-stakes Senate races and usually happen only after deep personal or political rifts. Michigan remains a crucial battleground state where every vote and high-profile defection can shift momentum in the closing days of an election.